I thoroughly enjoy a game of pool, but it can be difficult to find the right table in a friendly atmosphere. I haven’t played much in Milwaukee until this weekend, and the games were nonstop.
Roman Coin (1004 E. Brady St.) was first on the list. We walked straight to the back, up past the bi-level bar and set our eyes on the pool table. I was helped right away to a Riverwest Stein at this cash-only, smoky corner bar. We challenged a couple guys for the table and won, with some minor slop discrepancies. A fight nearly broke out over our next match up – mind you, this was early evening but the tail end for those who started drinking at 10 a.m. for Opening Day. This guy was looking for some trouble.
No harm done, and we ran the table for a little while. I plan to go back to the Coin. The dive is small and unassuming with a jukebox and some tables – no nonsense and no kitschy theme, just some decently priced drinks and a pretty heady photograph of Brady Street in the late ‘60s/early ‘70s, when hippies crowded the streets.
Our table at the Coin was slowly slipping away, so we packed it in and headed downtown to Buck Bradley’s (1019 N. Old World 3rd St.). The bar was big, too big, with too much echo. It was incredibly long and I felt uncontained, but constrained at the same time. So we ascended to the second floor where two pool tables were conveniently located next to the jukebox, which we immediately fired up (we didn’t hear our songs until we were leaving).
The second-floor scene was much better than the first. There were maybe five others besides our group, and the bartender paid us close attention. Brick, dark wood and a slain beast head made for a warm, saloon-like aesthetic. As for the pool, you have to fork up your ID for the cue ball, so don’t forget this exchange at the game’s end, as I almost did.
I’m in no rush to get back to Buck Bradley’s, however. There was a lot going on, but not the kind of action that left me wanting more.
And then there’s Monica’s (1228 N. Astor St.), a place I have and will continue to frequent. I’ve already reviewed this basement bar and I went back for the pool table, board games and fireplace. I even brought my family in this weekend to shoot some stick. We had an epic game in which I beat the man who taught me how to play – my father. He was pleased to see that I took his advice and started squaring up my stance, but he probably will claim memory loss when I remind him of my sweet victory. Aside from the gaming, the jukebox is eclectic and my sister and I tend to dance humorously when we’re together, and so we did.
So far, Monica’s is my choice for best pool table. I should note these were all quarter tables.
And speaking of balls, I must briefly call out the male bartender who ruined my night at Balzac and ask, why? Why are you a bartender if you’re not willing to assist a customer interested in your beer and wine selections? Why do you choose not to make eye contact or willingly answer reasonable questions? Like, do you have a coffee stout? To which the bartender continued to look down, pointed at the I.P.A., said the beer list was pretty much useless and inaccurate and then made a groan that was meant to translate to, “Actually we don’t carry the coffee stout, we do have the I.P.A from the same brewery (even though that’s not really comparable). Our beer list is a little outdated right now.” Why, Mr. Grumpy Bartender, couldn’t you take the kinder response route. Do you want a tip on par with your service?
My companion and I moved from the bar to a table and were at peace, until bar time. We both had a PBR and were trying to finish up, meanwhile Mr. Grumpy told us it was time to go. We obliged and walked up to the bar to finish. Then, he proceeded to yell in our faces, “It’s time to go, NOW!” My friend responded that we were just finishing them up and took a drink of his beer. Before the bottle hit the bar, the bartender grabbed the beer out of his hand (after a short-lived tug-of-war) and told us to “Leave, NOW.” I let go of my beer with my jaw dropped.
I was disgusted. The saddest part is that Balzac, in respect to atmosphere and especially music, was climbing up to one of my favorites. But both times I’ve gone this bartender has been rude enough to taint the entire experience. And that’s how a bartender ruins it for everyone.
Victor’s on Van Buren
1230 N. Van Buren St.
Wednesday, April 15: Every Wednesday: College night. Ladies who show college ID receive three complimentary Cosmopolitans. Sick!
Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
1001 E. Locust St.
Thursday, April 16: Head to Riverwest and listen to the stories of Robert Sarazin Blake. I’ve seen him play a couple times before and he puts on an intimate and interactive show. He’s touring this month and plays shows everyday. He enjoys the Riverwest stage, so show him some love! Jonathan Burks, a local Americana/Country/Rock musician opens.
Bacchus
925 E. Wells St.
Thursday, April 16: On the Grapevine for Human Resources. This new tasting is designed to encourage networking among individuals from a specific field or sector. The second offering of “On the Grapevine” invites individuals working in the human resources sector. The evening includes fun wine education and a wine game with six different wines designed to facilitate meeting many people in a short amount of time. Bring your business cards! From 6:30–8 p.m. Cost: $40
Suite
1103 Old World Third St.
Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17: Check out Suite this weekend to see Crooklyn Clan member and Orlando’s hottest DJ Nova. Also on Thursday, strut your stuff at the Ed Hardy Fashion Show model search. Must be 21+ to apply.
Comet Café
1947 N. Farwell Ave.
Friday, April 17: Celebrate Comet’s 14th birthday as the talented employees put on a variety show just for your amusement (and a little bit of their own). Drink $2 PBR, Schlitz, and Hi Life bottles, enjoy free birthday cake and pie and a Comet gift raffle. Win tickets to Beer School and Supper Club as well as other fun presents. Show starts at 10:30 p.m. Drink specials and raffle ticket distribution starts at 9 p.m.
Buck Bradley’s
1019 Old World 3rd St.
Monday-Friday: Happy Hour. $1 off bottled and draft beer, $1 off cocktails, $5 Martinis, half-price appetizers.
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Have a favorite bar you’d like me to review? Email me at milmag@milwaukeemagazine.com.
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What should a 17-year-old girl do when her parents won’t let her get birth control? Nikol Knows.
